Pathway to success, and a job, for USW student Aaron
AARON Nicholas is starting his first job as a teacher next month, even though he wasn’t sure he ever wanted to go to university.
But since completing a diploma in music performance at Bridgend College and deciding that he did, after all, want to get a degree, he hasn’t looked back.
Now the proud holder of BA (Hons) Primary Initial Teacher Education with QTS from the University of South Wales (USW), he is soon to take up a position as teacher of health, nutrition and exercise at Tonyrefail Community School.
Aaron’s decision to go to university came after he took a different path to that which many of his peers followed – from A-levels to undergraduate study.
“I started doing AS-levels, but it wasn’t really for me,” he explained. “So I went to Bridgend College. I’m a musician in a performing band called Fire Fences, so decided to follow a course I knew I could do well in.”
After completing that diploma, Aaron wanted to start earning, so decided to go into sales. But within a few years he had again caught the learning bug, and was looking again at going to university.
“Because I’d already got the right qualifications to get onto a degree course I knew I could go through clearing, which meant I didn’t have the pressure of the full Ucas application to manage, which was a bonus for me,” he said.
Initially looking at doing a music-related course at USW’s Cardiff Campus, which is home to its Creative Industries Faculty, Aaron decided he wanted to widen his horizons, and teaching caught his eye.
“It’s just something I really wanted to do,” he said.
Aaron’s enthusiasm was vital for him succeeding when the pressures of the course started to show.
“Having done the diploma, I wasn’t expecting such a step up in expectations on the degree,” he said. “You’re immediately put on the spot, and have to really push yourself to make sure you achieve the required standard.”
He added that the course hasn’t just given him mental focus, but has also benefited him physically.
“I lost four stone while doing the degree,” he said. “Being physically active was important as it helped ensure I was in the best mental shape to work hard at university.”
He said that while also making it easy for him to apply for the course through clearing, being at USW has also helped him get more organised in his personal life.
“The course doesn’t just teach you the vital importance of hard work, it also shows you how to manage yourself and that of the children you’re teaching,” he said.
“You learn to manage projects in the right way, which isn’t just what you need as a teacher, it’s also a vital life skill.
“I’m so glad I went to USW – it has given me a career to focus on, and also a way to ensure my whole life is properly organised.”